Firefox no longer works with some versions of Windows XP

Revision Information
  • Revision id: 130285
  • Created:
  • Creator: Chris Ilias
  • Comment: revert changes to intro to comply with conversational style as per https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/write-articles-knowledge-base
  • Reviewed: No
  • Ready for localization: No
Revision Source
Revision Content

This article only applies to Firefox on Windows.

Windows XP Service Pack 1 no longer meets the Firefox system requirements. Service Packs 2 and 3 are still supported. Let's verify that you are using Service Pack 1 or below, then explain what to do if you are.

Note: In all cases, it's best to upgrade to the latest version of Windows, if you are able to. Microsoft no longer provides security patches for Windows XP.

How to check which Windows XP Service Pack is installed on your computer

  1. Click on the Windows Start button and open the Control Panel.
  2. Click on the Performance and Maintenance link (Category View only), then click on System to open the System Properties window.
  3. In the System Properties window, select the General tab. Within the information in the General tab, it will tell you which service pack is installed (if one is installed).
WinXP-SP3

Does it say Service Pack 2?

See How can I get the latest version of Firefox on Windows XP or Vista?

Does it say Service Pack 1 or nothing at all?

The only popular web browser that is still being updated with security patches for Windows XP Service Pack 1 is Opera.

To install Opera, visit the Opera website.